Jocko Goes One-on-One with Badgers Legend Mark Johnson

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV)--- The jersey of Mark Johnson will hang above the rink that bears the name of his father, Bob Johnson.

Mike Jacques and Mark Johnson

Paul Capobianco, a spokesperson for Wisconsin Athletics, said his jersey will be the first from hockey to hang in the Kohl Center. It will happen on Feb. 9 when the Badgers play host to Ohio State.

"When I heard the news, I was very excited and certainly humbled by being recognized this way," Johnson said. "It is certainly a big, big honor.

"I feel very fortunate that I had an opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream. I remember being a stick boy when I was eight or nine and watching Badger hockey for a lot of years on the bench hoping one day I would get to wear the jersey and play for the University of Wisconsin. I got the opportunity to do that and have great memories. This is going to be a great memory that I am extremely proud of and certainly my family is very proud of. It is going to be a very special night and I am looking forward to it. I can't be more appreciative."

"It is difficult to come up with someone who has made the kinds of contributions to the University of Wisconsin and the world of hockey as Mark Johnson and we are fortunate we get to recognize everything he has accomplished on and off the ice," director of athletics Barry Alvarez said. "His years as a student-athlete and coach, as well as his international and professional playing and coaching careers makes us proud and happy that we can celebrate his legacy."

"Mark is so deserving. When you think of his contributions and our program, nobody even comes close," men's head coach Tony Granato said. "Mark came straight from Madison Memorial High School and dominated college hockey. He accomplished more in three years than anyone else has done here in our history. He might be the greatest college hockey player of all-time.

"His love of Wisconsin brought him back after his professional playing career and his impact on our school now is as big as it has ever been."

Capobianco said Johnson is the greatest goal scorer in Wisconsin hockey history. He’s a national hero from his contributions to the 1980 Miracle on Ice team.

Capobianco said the number 10 will remain in circulation at Wisconsin, but Johnson’s name and number will be forever celebrated.

Johnson recently became the all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division I women’s hockey.

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